Vibratory energy dissipation and isolation with magnetically biased rolling members

ABSTRACT

A coupling device is interposed between an electronic or electro-acoustic component and a supporting structure for draining, transmitting and dissipating vibratory energy generated within the component, while isolating the component from vibratory energy emanating from the support structure, utilizing a ball rolling along a bearing surface in directions away from and toward an equilibrium position, with the ball biased toward the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction forces.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/287,110, filedNov. 4, 2002, now patent no.

The present invention relates generally to controlling oscillatorymovement of a rolling member along a complementary bearing surface andpertains, more specifically, to the magnetic control of rollingdisplacements in devices which utilize oscillating rolling members inthe dissipation and isolation of vibratory energy, especially in theimprovement of the performance of electronic and electro-acousticalcomponents, such as sound reproduction systems or video systems whereinunwanted vibratory energy is dissipated or isolated to reduce oreliminate a source of signal distortion.

In an earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,776, the substance of which isincorporated herein by reference thereto, devices placed between acomponent of a sound reproduction system and a support structuretransmit and dissipate vibratory energy generated within the componentwhile isolating the component from vibratory energy emanating from thesupport structure, utilizing a rolling member displaced throughoscillatory movements along a bearing block to transmit vibratory energyfrom the component to the block for dissipation at a lower surface ofthe block, while isolating the component from vibratory energy emanatingfrom the support structure.

The present invention incorporates a magnetic arrangement forcontrolling oscillatory movement of such rolling members in similardevices to gain improved performance. As such, the present inventionattains several objects and advantages, some of which are summarized asfollows: Effectively dissipates deleterious vibratory energy generatedwithin equipment such as electronic and electro-acoustical equipment forenhanced performance of such equipment; attains increased ease in theconstruction, installation and placement of devices which utilizeoscillatory rolling members in the dissipation and isolation ofvibratory energy; enhances the drain of internally generated vibratoryenergy from components, such as electronic and electro-acousticalcomponents, for dissipation to surrounding vibration absorbingstructures; provides a simple and effective arrangement for reducing oreliminating the deleterious effects of internally generated vibratoryenergy in components, such as in electronic and electro-acousticalcomponents; enables enhanced performance in sound and picturereproduction systems without requiring modifications in the electronicand electro-acoustical components of the systems; is compatible for usewith a wide variety of currently available electronic andelectro-acoustical equipment; provides a relatively simple constructioncapable of relatively economical manufacture and widespread use foreffective and reliable performance throughout a long service life.

The above objects and advantages, as well as further objects andadvantages, are attained by the present invention which may be describedbriefly as an improvement in a device in which a rolling member engagesa bearing surface on a bearing block for rolling along the bearingsurface in directions away from and toward an equilibrium position, theimprovement comprising: a magnetically-attracted structure in one of therolling member and the bearing block; and at least one magnet placedrelative to the equilibrium position so as to bias the rolling membertoward the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between themagnet and the magnetically-attracted structure.

The invention further includes a coupling device for interpositionbetween an electronic or electro-acoustic component and a supportingstructure for the transmission and dissipation of vibratory energygenerated within the component while isolating the component fromvibratory energy emanating from the support structure, the couplingdevice comprising: a bearing block having an upper surface and a lowersurface, the upper surface including a bearing surface; a spherical ballhaving a center and engaging the bearing surface for rolling along thebearing surface in directions away from and toward an equilibriumposition wherein the center of the ball is aligned with the equilibriumposition; a ring magnet having a center and located concentric with thecenter of the ball when the ball is at the equilibrium position; and atleast one further magnet juxtaposed with the bearing surface and locatedrelative to the equilibrium position so as to interact with the ringmagnet to bias the rolling member toward the equilibrium position.

In addition, the invention includes a coupling device for interpositionbetween an electronic or electro-acoustic component and a supportingstructure for the transmission and dissipation of vibratory energygenerated within the component while isolating the component fromvibratory energy emanating from the support structure, the couplingdevice comprising: a bearing block having an upper surface and a lowersurface, the upper surface including a bearing surface; a rolling memberengaging the bearing surface for rolling along the bearing surface indirections away from and toward an equilibrium position, the rollingmember being constructed of a magnetically-attracted material; and atleast one magnet juxtaposed with the bearing surface and locatedrelative to the equilibrium position so as to bias the rolling membertoward the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between themagnet and the rolling member.

Further, the invention includes a method for biasing a rolling memberinto an equilibrium position in a device wherein a rolling memberengages a bearing surface on a bearing block for rolling along thebearing surface in opposite directions away from and toward theequilibrium position, the method comprising: including amagnetically-attracted structure in one of the rolling member and thebearing block; and placing at least one magnet relative to theequilibrium position so as to bias the rolling member toward theequilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the magnet and themagnetically-attracted structure.

The invention will be understood more fully, while still further objectsand advantages will become apparent, in the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatic views illustrating the use of devicesconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of a device constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the device;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the device;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 through 12 are diagrammatic illustrations of variouscombinations of elements in embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded front elevational view, partially sectioned, of adevice constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the device, assembled;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof,an electronic component of a sound reproduction system is showndiagrammatically in the form of an amplifier 10 supported upon asupporting structure which includes a support shelf 12. An energyabsorption platform 14 is interposed between the amplifier 10 and theshelf 12 for absorbing vibrational energy emanating from the amplifier10 in a now known manner. One such energy absorption platform 14currently is available under the trademark SYMPOSIUM and hasdemonstrated the ability to enhance the performance of the amplifier 10through exhibiting improved dynamic range and reduced intermodulationdistortion in the sound reproduction system. In order to moreeffectively couple the amplifier 10 with the energy absorption platform14 for draining and dissipating vibrational energy generated within theamplifier 10, three coupling devices constructed in accordance with thepresent invention are shown at 20, interposed between the amplifier 10and the platform 14 and located at the apices of a triangle.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 through 7, as well as in FIGS. 1 and 2, eachcoupling device 20 has a base 22 which includes a block 24 having anupper surface 26 and a lower surface 28. A depression 30 in the uppersurface 26 receives a rolling member shown in the form of a sphericalball 32 upon which the amplifier 10 is to rest, as seen in FIG. 1. Thelower surface 28 includes a basal portion 34 which is to contact theplatform 14, as seen in FIG. 1.

Depression 30 has a part-spherical surface contour configuration whichincludes a diameter D considerably larger than the diameter B of ball32. Vibratory energy emanating from amplifier 10 and directed inaltitudinal, or vertical directions, as illustrated by arrows Z in FIG.1, is transmitted through ball 32 to block 24 to follow an altitudinalpath to the platform 14 where the vibratory energy is dissipated.Vibratory energy emanating from amplifier 10 and directed in lateral, orhorizontal directions, as illustrated by arrows X and Y in FIGS. 1 and2, will tend to move the ball 32 along the depression 30, with aconcomitant change in the altitude of the ball 32, thereby draining atleast some of the laterally directed vibratory energy in an altitudinaldirection into the platform 14. At the same time, the ball 32 anddepression 30 arrangement tends to isolate amplifier 10 from anyexternal vibratory energy which may emanate from the shelf 12. Ball 32is biased toward an equilibrium position at the center C of depression30, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 and 7, by gravity.

In order to increase the effectiveness of the conduct of the vibratoryenergy from the amplifier 10 through the block 24 to the platform 14,the block 24 is provided with a matrix 40, preferably established byplurality recesses shown in the form of bores 42 extending from thebasal portion 34 of the lower surface 28 altitudinally upwardly into theblock 24. The matrix 40 more effectively conducts the vibratory energydrained from amplifier 10 through the block 24 by optimizing thetransmission path of the vibratory energy through the block 24 and moreeffectively couples the block 24 with the platform 14 for transmissionof the vibratory energy from the block 24 to the platform 14. To thatend, the configuration of the matrix 40 at the basal portion 34 of thelower surface 28 provides a contact area 44 along the basal portion 34which is reduced in area as compared to the overall plan configurationof the block 24 and which is spread over the area of the lower surface28. The area of the basal portion 34, and the contact area 44, isreduced further by the provision of bevelled portions 46, the bevelledportions 46 preferably extending completely around the perimeter of thebasal portion 34 to surround the basal portion 34.

In order to increase the effectiveness of device 20, ball 32 isconstructed of a material which is magnetically attracted, such assteel, and a magnet 50 is placed in block 24, so located relative to theequilibrium position of ball 32 as to further bias ball 32 toward theequilibrium position. That is, magnet 50 is juxtaposed with thedepression 30, immediately below the center C of the depression 30, sothat upon movement of the ball 32 away from the center C of thedepression 30, the magnetic attraction between magnet 50 and ball 32will bias the ball 32 back toward the equilibrium position. In thismanner, the effectiveness of device 20 is increased. In addition,installation and handling of device 20 is greatly facilitated byassuring that the ball 32 of each device 20 is held in place on block24, at the center C of depression 30, independent of gravitationalforces while the devices 20 are being manipulated into appropriatelocations prior to the placement of component 10 on the devices 20.Performance is maximized by assuring that all of the balls 32 in aninstallation of several devices 20 are located precisely at theirrespective equilibrium positions before a component is supported on thedevices 20.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a diagrammatic illustration shows how a rollingmember, shown in the form of a spherical ball 60, engaged with a bearingsurface 62 of a bearing block 64, is biased toward an equilibriumposition by magnetic attraction. Thus, ball 60 includes amagnetically-attracted structure; that is, ball 60 is constructed of amaterial which is magnetically attracted as, for example, a ferrousmaterial such as steel. The equilibrium position of ball 60 is shown infull lines, while rolling movements in directions away from theequilibrium position are illustrated in phantom (displacement shown isexaggerated for purposes of illustration). A magnet 70 is placedrelative to the equilibrium position so as to bias the ball 60 towardthe equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the magnet 70and the ball 60. As shown, the ball 60 includes an engagement surface 72for engaging the bearing surface 62 of bearing block 64, and theengagement surface 72 has a center of rotation R. The engagement surface72 engages the bearing surface 62 at an engagement location 74 on theengagement surface 72 when the ball 60 is at the equilibrium position,and an axis 76 extends between the center of rotation R and theengagement location 74. Magnet 70 is located on a line 78 coextensivewith axis 76 when ball 60 is at the equilibrium position, line 78representing the shortest distance between the center of rotation R andthe location of magnet 70. Should ball 60 roll away from the equilibriumposition, the biasing force of magnet 70 will tend to return engagementlocation 74 toward line 78, and ball 60 toward the equilibrium position.

An alternate arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a rollingmember in the form of a cylindrical roller 80 engages a bearing surface82 of a bearing block 84. The bearing block 84 is constructed of amagnetically-attracted material, such as steel, and a bar magnet 90 isplaced and affixed in a slot 92 extending along the length of the roller80. The roller 80 is shown in an equilibrium position on the bearingblock 84. Should roller 80 depart from the equilibrium position, such asin either of the opposite directions 94 and 96, the magnetic attractionbetween magnet 90 and bearing block 84 will bias the roller 80 backtoward the equilibrium position.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a device 100 similar to device20. A ball 110 is constructed of a magnetically-attracted material andis located in a part-spherical depression 112 in a bearing surface 114of a bearing block 116. Ball 110 is biased toward the illustratedequilibrium position, at the center of the depression 112, by a magnet120 placed in the bearing block 116 in juxtaposition with theequilibrium position, as well as by the force of gravity.

In device 130 of FIG. 11, the component parts of the embodimentdescribed above in connection with FIG. 10, namely, the ball 110,bearing block 116 and magnet 120, are supplemented by a further bearingblock 132. Bearing block 132 also has a part-spherical depression 134and a further magnet 140 placed relative to the equilibrium position ofball 110, shown in full lines, so as to further bias the ball 110 towardthe equilibrium position upon any departure of ball 110 from theequilibrium position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the component parts of device 130, asdescribed in connection with FIG. 11, are supplemented by a ring magnet150 located concentric with the center of each part-spherical depression112 and 134. Ring magnet 150 interacts with either one or both ofmagnets 120 and 140 to supply an additional biasing force tending toreturn the blocks 116 and 132 and, consequently, ball 110 to theequilibrium position illustrated in full lines.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 through 16, another coupling device constructedin accordance with the present invention is shown at 200 and is seen toinclude a base 210 having a generally cylindrical first bearing block212 extending upwardly from a basal surface, shown as a lower surface214, to a bearing surface, illustrated as upper surface 216. Uppersurface 216 includes a depression 220 located centrally within uppersurface 216 for receiving a rolling member in the form of a sphericalball 222. A basal flange 230 is unitary with the base 210 and extendsradially outwardly from the bearing block 212. Three feet 232 arethreadably engaged in corresponding threaded apertures 234 spacedequidistant from one another around the flange 230 and include conicallypointed ends 236 for supporting base 210 upon a support structure. Eachfoot 232 is independently adjustable within a corresponding aperture 234so as to enable leveling of the base 210 on the support structure.

An upper member 240 has a generally cylindrical second bearing block 242extending upwardly from a bearing surface, shown as a lower surface 244,to a coupling surface, shown as an upper surface 246, upon which an itemto be supported is rested on the device 200. A depression 250 is locatedcentrally within the lower surface 244 for receiving ball 222. Aperimetric rim 252 is unitary with bearing block 242, adjacent the lowersurface 244, and extends radially outwardly to an outer peripheral edge254. A matrix 256 of recesses 258 which communicate with upper surface246 is provided for purposes explained above in connection with device20.

Each depression 220 and 250 has a part-spherical surface 260 with acontour configuration which includes a diameter considerably larger thanthe diameter of ball 222, and a center C. Ball 222 is illustrated at anequilibrium position where the ball 222 contacts each depression 220 and250 at the center C of a corresponding part-spherical surface 260.Vibratory energy in altitudinal and lateral directions is treated in amanner similar to that described above in connection with device 20.Thus, upper and lower bearing blocks 242 and 212 will move relative toone another in lateral directions and in altitudinal directions as ball222 is displaced from the equilibrium position, and ball 222 will bebiased back toward the equilibrium position by gravitational forces.

A magnetic arrangement is provided for supplying additional forcesbiasing the ball 222 toward the equilibrium position. To this end, ball222 is constructed of a magnetically-attracted material, such as steel,and magnets are located relative to the equilibrium position toestablish magnetic forces which bias the ball 222 toward the equilibriumposition. Thus, base 210 includes a threaded hole 270 aligned with theequilibrium position of ball 222 and extending from the lower surface214 toward the upper surface 216, and terminating just short of uppersurface 216, along a line 272 normal to the part-spherical surface 260of depression 220, at center C of part-spherical surface 260. A discmagnet 280 of permanent magnetic material, such as neodymium alloy, isplaced in hole 270 and is retained in the hole 270, juxtaposed with thecenter C and with ball 222, by a threaded plug 282. Likewise, the uppermember 240 includes a threaded hole 290 aligned with the equilibriumposition of ball 222 and extending from the upper surface 246 toward thelower surface 244, and terminating just short of lower surface 244,along a line 292 normal to the part-spherical surface 260 of depression250, at center C of part-spherical surface 260. A disc magnet 300 isplaced in hole 290 and is retained in the hole 290, juxtaposed with thecorresponding center C and with ball 222, by a threaded plug 312. Uponmovement of ball 222 away from the equilibrium position, magneticattraction between each magnet 280 and 300 and ball 222 will bias theball 222 as well as the bearing blocks 212 and 242 back toward theequilibrium position.

In order to provide further biasing of the bearing blocks 212 and 242,as well as the ball 222, toward the equilibrium position, a ring magnet320 of a permanent magnetic material, such as a ceramic magneticmaterial, is placed on the upper surface 216 of bearing block 212 and islocated so that the center CR of the ring magnet 320 is concentric withcenter C of each part-spherical surface 260. Magnetic interactionbetween ring magnet 320 and either one or both of magnets 280 ad 300will supply further magnetic forces for biasing the bearing blocks 212and 242, as well as the ball 222, back toward the equilibrium position.

The magnetic biasing of the relatively movable component parts of device200, namely, the base 210, the upper member 240 and the ball 222,enhances the performance of the device 200 through better and moreaccurate biasing of the parts toward the equilibrium position, whileproviding damping of such movements away from the equilibrium position.In addition, assembly, handling and installation of devices 200 isfacilitated in that the assembled, relatively movable component partsare held together and accurately located relative to one another bymagnetic attraction, enabling handling and placement of each device 200as a complete unit, independent of gravitational forces.

As an added measure to maintain the assembly of the relatively movablecomponent parts, a restrainer is provided in the form of a restrainingring 330 threaded onto base 210 at 332. Ring 330 includes an axial skirt334 and a radial lip 336 spaced from and overlapping the perimetric rim252 of upper member 240 to establish a space 340 between the restrainingring 330 and perimetric rim 252 of the upper member 240. Restrainingring 330 confines the upper member 240 to the assembled relationshipamong the relatively movable component parts, while limiting movement ofthe upper member 240 to displacement within the space 340 forappropriate operation of device 200. The limited movement preferably iswithin a range of movement which assures that ball 222 is confined toengagement with depressions 220 and 250 during relative movement betweenupper and lower bearing blocks 242 and 212. In the preferredconstruction, complementary frusto-conical surfaces 344 and 346 on thelip 336 of the restraining ring 330 and on the rim 252, respectively,facilitate assembly of device 200, as well as enhance performance.

It will be seen that the present invention attains the objects andadvantages summarized above, namely: Effectively dissipates deleteriousvibratory energy generated within equipment such as electronic andelectro-acoustical equipment for enhanced performance of such equipment;attains increased ease in the construction, installation and placementof devices which utilize oscillatory rolling members in the dissipationand isolation of vibratory energy; enhances the drain of internallygenerated vibratory energy from components, such as electronic andelectro-acoustical components, for dissipation to surrounding vibrationabsorbing structures; provides a simple and effective arrangement forreducing or eliminating the deleterious effects of internally generatedvibratory energy in components, such as in electronic andelectro-acoustical components; enables enhanced performance in sound andpicture reproduction systems without requiring modifications in theelectronic and electro-acoustical components of the systems; iscompatible for use with a wide variety of currently available electronicand electro-acoustical equipment; provides a relatively simpleconstruction capable of relatively economical manufacture and widespreaduse for effective and reliable performance throughout a long servicelife.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description of preferredembodiments of the invention is provided by way of example only. Variousdetails of design, construction and procedure may be modified withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention, as set forthin the appended claims.

1. An improvement in a device in which a rolling member engages abearing surface on a bearing block for rolling along the bearing surfacein directions away from and toward an equilibrium position, theimprovement comprising: a magnetically-attracted structure in one of therolling member and the bearing block; and at least one magnet placedrelative to the equilibrium position so as to bias the rolling membertoward the equilibrium position by magnetic attraction between themagnet and the magnetically-attracted structure.
 2. The improvement ofclaim 1 wherein: the rolling member includes an engagement surface forengaging the bearing surface, the engagement surface has a center ofrotation, an engagement location for engaging the bearing surface whenthe rolling member is in the equilibrium position, and an axis extendingbetween the center of rotation and the engagement location; and themagnet is located on a line coextensive with the axis when the rollingmember is in the equilibrium position.
 3. The improvement of claim 2wherein the rolling member comprises a ball having a given diameter. 4.The improvement of claim 3 wherein the ball is constructed of amagnetically-attracted material and the magnet is juxtaposed with thebearing block.
 5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein the bearing surfaceincludes a depression having a part-spherical surface having a diametergreater than the given diameter, the part-spherical surface has a centerlocated at the equilibrium position, the ball comprises a spherical ballplaced in the depression, and the magnet is juxtaposed with the centerof the part-spherical surface.
 6. A method for biasing a rolling memberinto an equilibrium position in a device wherein a rolling memberengages a bearing surface on a bearing block for rolling along thebearing surface in opposite directions away from and toward theequilibrium position, the method comprising: including amagnetically-attracted structure in one of the rolling member and thebearing block; and placing at least one magnet relative to theequilibrium position so as to bias the rolling member toward theequilibrium position by magnetic attraction between the magnet and themagnetically-attracted structure.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein therolling member comprises a ball having a given diameter and constructedof a magnetically-attracted material, the method including placing themagnet in the bearing block, juxtaposed with the equilibrium position.8. The method of claim 7 wherein the bearing surface includes adepression having a part-spherical surface having a diameter greaterthan the given diameter, the part-spherical surface has a center locatedat the equilibrium position, and the ball comprises a spherical ballplaced in the depression, the method including limiting relativemovement between the bearing block and the further bearing block tomovement within a range of movement wherein the ball remains within thedepression.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the bearing surfaceincludes a depression having a part-spherical surface having a diametergreater than the given diameter, the part-spherical surface has a centerlocated at the equilibrium position, and the ball comprises a sphericalball placed in the depression, the method including juxtaposing themagnet with the center of the part-spherical surface.
 10. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the bearing surface includes a depression having apart-spherical surface having a diameter greater than the givendiameter, the part-spherical surface has a center located at theequilibrium position, and the ball is placed in the depression, themethod including locating a ring magnet concentric with thepart-spherical surface.